Vakai e Tohi Māhina Fā 'o e fitu e onoua Folau na kuo fusi taula 'I he Taulanga Nuku'alofa Tu'ufua ai e kāpasa Fakatele he Maka-o-'Oa Ka e fatu si'ono taumu'a Tofikulu e 'Aotealoa Seuke! He tāpinga'amaama Ko 'eta fononga ta'e'iloa. Hakau mineva pe'i fakaha Ho'o puke huelo e mahina Lavaki'i 'a e folau 'eva Ka e hu'i honau sisi kakalá Ka ke laukau fietangata Ki he vaka toutai e la'a 'Oku faka'olunga 'i ho nima Ka e kafu'aki e peauta Si'i e fo'ou, si'i e sola He mo'unga 'o e loto'i tonga Ko hai 'e lau e faingata'a He 'ikai lava ke fakamatala 'A e mamahi mo e ha'aha'a 'Amanaki na'e fonu tala'a He tolu mahina mo e sio vaha 'Ikai ma'ali ha kalofiama Tu'uholoaki e masi e taha Ke ne pukepuke mai e maama Ne 'eko 'i mamani e mavava He ko e ikuna kuo kafakafa Alo e matangi, fa'aki e loa Fo'u vaka pe, hange ko noa 'Aki 'a e tui, ko 'eta koloa Fusi e kolosi, fakatau'au Toka'one 'i he, motu ko Katavu tulou mo Suva, 'isa e Hala ko Vuna SOS 'a e matu'a X2 Lautala Pei 'e ngalo afe Ho'o laula ne fakalave Fakafoki mai e auhe Fakafoki mai e auhe X2 Tama Tonga e, pe'i tuli kaveinga Taumu'a kihe fetu'u ngingila Tama Tonga e, ma'u pe ho loto Ke lau e taumu'a lotu ngaholo Tama Tonga e, ma'u pe ho loto Ke lau e taumu'a ngaholo X2 Tama Tonga e, fusi a'u ho'o fuka 'Ulitu'u ki he moto e fonua
2024 and still listening to Tongan roots music as beautiful as this track. Rip to those who passed. Great history for us Tongans as we were known for being natural navigators out at sea❤👍🏾
My grandpa Fine Feuiaki ENGINEER OF THE SHIP, passed away on the 9/01/2024 at the age of 93 😭 from Mount Roskill, Auckland, NewZealand. He was 1 of the 2 remaining survivors today . Sipa Fine Sekona is the last survivor still alive today in America . Rest In Eternal Peace to all the fallen Heroes 😭🕊
Awww God bless him rest in love Fine Feuiaki and all the Heroes of the Tuaikaepau. My grandfather was Captain Tevita Maluha’apai Fifita of the Tuaikaepau. I’ve heard so much of this story and it touches my heart every time. Ofa atu and God bless ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
My grandfather, Vaiangina Sikahema Unga was one of the survivors from the ship Tuaikaepau that got shipwrecked on the Minerva Reef south of Fiji back in 1962. He eventually passed away in 2003 but will always be remembered for his resilience, strength and courage for surviving this ordeal. My family and I miss him very much. Thank you for posting this video clip!
This sound made me flash back to school on a friday afternoon in a circle with a Kumete at Latuselu and hear this sound as part of Helu great harmony of academic and culture. This bring me happy memo and I guess Like Plato say" I am feeling great cos I live in the era of Helu"
agree with Benjamin,to make a movie,loto`i Tonga he faingata`a moe mamahi,this song is really about loto`i Tonga,,,Tongan spirit ,heart n mind Respectz to the crews n the captain of the Tuaikaepau rip
:) LOVE THIS SONG!!! yes my grandpa FINEFEUIAKI is still alive and healthy and is living in MT ROSKILL AUCKLAND! also my dad is called MINERVA REEF.. :) FINEFEUIAKI himself is one of 3 or 4 men that are still alive from this tragedy... :) anyone else outta the crew members alive?? please let me know. my grandpa would love to contact them. thanks.
User Profile its about a shipwreck on the Minerva Reef. They were out there for 3months!! my grandfather Fine Feuiaki and Sipa Fine are the last two survivors😊 Look up the story.. written by Olaf Ruhen..
Rest in the love of Christ to all the Tuikaepau crew. This story is so close to my heart and our family. We salute u all I salute you grampa Captain Tevita Fifita. Love always
To me Sateki Fifita was a hero on October 7, 1962 because he got to help his father (Tevita Fifita) so he would not drown. Unfortunately, Sateki Fifita has passed away after helping his father slowly but surely make it to the island of Suva Fiji.
Amusia moutolu your grandfather survived. My grandpa is Finau Lahi Soakai. Foha sisii 'a Soakai Pulu. I wish they made a movie. This story is worth heard to MANY!!! RIP Soakai Pulu, Fetaiaki, Grandpa & the men on that ship!!!!!
mama MANGO sorry for your loss.. yess we are one of the few that were lucky to have our grandpa survive this tragedy, and is one of the last two thats still alive up till this day.. Im with you on this one about the movie huh.. Afew directors and that interviewed my grandpa Fine Feuiaki last year so hopefully they do make a movie or atleast a documentary or something..
my heartfelt respect to capt.Fifita, while swimming ashore he looked back and saw his son swimming in a circle instead. He swam back to him n after assessing his situation, I think he knew if he helped his son, no one would make it ashore. He turned around leaving his son n swam toward land. We know the rest of the story. What a decision! Rip Mr. Fifita.
Hi, My Name is Soakai Pulu. Son of Toni Pulu. Who is the son of the Late Soakai Pulu. My Grandfather was a trainer who was on the ship with many fighters including my late uncle Fetaiaki Pulu who passed on this voyage. I'm looking for lyrics to this song as my father has requested my sister to perform a tauolunga to this beautiful song in honor of our grandfather Soakai Pulu. If anyone can help it be of the greatest appreciation thank you.
Finefeuaki is still alive and well..living in Mt Roskill NZ...im one of the lucky ones that he told me the story face to face..apparently his grandchild is one of my mate...so yea nice story..
@Sanoukful my two uncles soakai pulu and fetaiaki pulu were on it. They were boxers. only soakia came back. Fetaiaki died on the reef an hr b4 rescue showed up.
Koe fo'i ta'anga koeni koe taha ia 'oe ngaahi maa'imoa 'ae la'a hono 3 kuo unga fonua 'aia na'ane fa'u eni kihe folau 'ae vaka koe Tuaikaepau 'o tukuvakaa pea nau hake 'i Hakau ko Mineva pea koe hingoa pe ia 'oe fo'i ta'anga koe TUAIKAEPAU...tau sio ai kihe langi mama'o 'ae ta'ahine kuini he me'a koe fa'u eh..
dotz Hi! I would love to know more about this song, if you don't mind sharing insights on it. So what I gathered from your comment was the Queen Salote wrote this song and the Afokoula sang it right? Do you also happen to have the lyrics for this song? I would love to have it and teach my children this song! It's one that is dearest to my heart since my Grandfather Soakai Pulu and Uncle Fetaiaki Pulu was on that Voyage. Please let me know. Your help and reply will be much appreciated! Here's my email siu.tau13@yahoo.co.nz Malo aupito
Poupou koe taha eni e Ta'anga koe Maa'imoa 'ae La'a Kuonga Fonua hono 3 'a Kuini Salote Tupou 3 koe Tuai kae Pau kihe vaka ne folau 'o tukuvakaa peanau hake he Hakau ko Mineva..Toe hiva'i 'e Niulala Helu moe Afokoula kau hiva 'a Atenisi..
Malo 'aupito utes49. Ne fuoloa ta'u 'eku feinga keu ma'u e ta'anga ko 'eni, 'a e maa'imoa e La'a hono 3 pea mo hono hiva'i he Afokoula Singers. Malie 'aupito pea fakalanga manatu ki kau kaivai ko eni.Warren Purcell, I'll email you with some info that you may be interested in. I have the original print of the"Minerva Reef by Olaf Ruhen and other info about the ship wreck.My father passed away about a year ago and Yes, there is only one living from the ship wreck survivor and that is Fine (Sosaia Finefeuiaki).
+Andrew Fifita-Lamb My grandpa Tevita Uiasele, was the one who built the raft that got him, Tevita Fifita, and his son more than half-way to Fiji. My grandpa past away in 2009. I didnt know about this story until a year ago and I only found out because my friends mom told me about it. This song is so beautiful and I hope to make tau' olunga to it in the near future.
The Tuaikaepau and the Minerva Reef On July 4, 1962, the 51foot former Sailing Boat called the Tuaikaepau was set to make a Voyage from Tongatapu to New Zealand where the Boat was set to get some needed repairs. In charge of the 1,050 Nautical-Mile voyage, was Master Captain Tevita Fifita. Also included in his Crew were: Tevita Uaisele (Carpenter) Fine Feuiaki (Engineer) Ve'etutu Pahulu (Mate) Sateki Fifita (Deckhand, also Captain's Son) Talo Fifita (Deckhand, also Captain's Son) Sione Lousi (Deckhand) In addition to the Crew were several other Passengers, which included several local Boxers who were looking to make a name for themselves while in New Zealand. Included were: Fatai Efiafi (Passenger) Vaiangina Unga (Copra Planter) Viliame Fa'onuku (Carpenter) Teiapa'a Bloomfield (Taxi Driver) Soakai Pulu (Boxer/Coach) Fetaiaki Pulu (Boxer) Sione Sikimeti (Boxer) Sipa Fine Sekona (Boxer) Finau Laione Sekona (Boxer) Sosaia Finefeuiaki (Boxer) On the second day of the Voyage, the Tuaikaepau suddenlTo the outer edge of the Southern Minerva Reef. Hanging on for dear life, the Crew and its passengers found refuge in a previously capsized Japanese vessel which was sitting on the Reef itself. While on the Reef, the survivors reported that during high tide the water would go up as high as most of their waists. After almost 8 weeks on the Reef and realizing that the chances of a rescue party were slim, the Captain Tevita Fifita decided that they needed to make a move. In late August the Captain, Tevita Uaisele, and the Captain's son Sateki Fifita, built a raft which they called the "Maloelelei" and decided to head for Kadavu, Fiji, some 50 miles plus away. While within miles of their destination, the Maloelelei suddenly capsized and all 3 passengers were forced to swim the rest of the way. While the Captain and Tevita Uaisele were able to make the swim, the Captain's son did not have the strength to make the grueling swim and drowned before reaching Shore. The survivors on the Reef were rescued days later, however 4 members of the Tuaikaepau had lost their lives while on the Reef. Amongst the dead were Sione Lousi, Sione Sikimeti, Fatai Efiafi, Fetaiaki Pulu. This story is amongst the many that testify the strong Tongan spirit and attitude. Rest in eternal peace to those that have passed, gone but never forgotten.
Andrew malo e lelei. Fakamolemole e lava ma'u mai haku ki'i information ki he Tuaikaepau. Kuou osi mau e tohi a Olaf ka 'oku ou tatanaki ha u information ke lahi keu fakahoko ae polokalama kihe hisitolia malie ko 'eni heku senolo RUclips. Kataki kapau ke mau 'u info peake fakamolemole vahevahe mai.
hey, yeah FINEFEUIAKI is still alive and well :) we have only two books, one by Olaf Ruhen and the other told by my grandpa FINEFEUIAKI??? whats the other book.
@Selana773 i would love to read those books my two uncles were fighters soakai being a retired boxer and champion of the pacific while fetaiaki his son. i dnt think there are any survivors bt my fam always tell me stories about the voyage. where can i get one of ur books??
@poly408 Soakai Pulu is actually my Grandfather & Fetaiaki Pulu is my Uncle; so I'm guessing we're related somehow! I just recently got a hold of a copy of "The Minerva Reef Voyage" book! My husband got it for me as a Christmas present. But I think you can buy a copy for yourself online either EBay or Amazon! Here's my email siu.tau13@yahoo.co.nz I would like to know how we're related! Malo aupito!
Manusiu Tau hey, my great grandfather is also Soakai Pulu. His son Finau Lahi(my grandpa) was killed during a boxing match while Soakai Pulu was on this voyage. Crazy but dope story.
koe tokotaha 'oku ke laumalie lelei pe he kau folau koeni 'i 'okalani ko FINEFEUIAKI na'ane fkhingoa pe hono foha lahi ko Mineva..koe tokotaha pe foki eni na'ane fa'u e tohi fekau'aki moe folau 'ae vakani...
Sane Fo 1962 a yacht named Tuaikaepau sailing to New Zealand capsized and all survived, until they then had to sail to Fiji on boat Maloelelei which also capsized and many of them drowned on the swim to Fiji. There are a few survivors one which resides in New Zealand Fine Feuiaki. Hope this helps :)
Vakai e Tohi Māhina
Fā 'o e fitu e onoua
Folau na kuo fusi taula
'I he Taulanga Nuku'alofa
Tu'ufua ai e kāpasa
Fakatele he Maka-o-'Oa
Ka e fatu si'ono taumu'a
Tofikulu e 'Aotealoa
Seuke! He tāpinga'amaama
Ko 'eta fononga ta'e'iloa.
Hakau mineva pe'i fakaha
Ho'o puke huelo e mahina
Lavaki'i 'a e folau 'eva
Ka e hu'i honau sisi kakalá
Ka ke laukau fietangata
Ki he vaka toutai e la'a
'Oku faka'olunga 'i ho nima
Ka e kafu'aki e peauta
Si'i e fo'ou, si'i e sola
He mo'unga 'o e loto'i tonga
Ko hai 'e lau e faingata'a
He 'ikai lava ke fakamatala
'A e mamahi mo e ha'aha'a
'Amanaki na'e fonu tala'a
He tolu mahina mo e sio vaha
'Ikai ma'ali ha kalofiama
Tu'uholoaki e masi e taha
Ke ne pukepuke mai e maama
Ne 'eko 'i mamani e mavava
He ko e ikuna kuo kafakafa
Alo e matangi, fa'aki e loa
Fo'u vaka pe, hange ko noa
'Aki 'a e tui, ko 'eta koloa
Fusi e kolosi, fakatau'au
Toka'one 'i he, motu ko Katavu
tulou mo Suva, 'isa e Hala ko Vuna
SOS 'a e matu'a
X2
Lautala Pei 'e ngalo afe
Ho'o laula ne fakalave
Fakafoki mai e auhe
Fakafoki mai e auhe
X2
Tama Tonga e, pe'i tuli kaveinga
Taumu'a kihe fetu'u ngingila
Tama Tonga e, ma'u pe ho loto
Ke lau e taumu'a lotu ngaholo
Tama Tonga e, ma'u pe ho loto
Ke lau e taumu'a ngaholo
X2
Tama Tonga e, fusi a'u ho'o fuka
'Ulitu'u ki he moto e fonua
2024 and still listening to Tongan roots music as beautiful as this track. Rip to those who passed. Great history for us Tongans as we were known for being natural navigators out at sea❤👍🏾
One of the voyagers just passed away few days ago, RIP FINEFEUIAKI! 🕊️
My grandpa Fine Feuiaki ENGINEER OF THE SHIP, passed away on the 9/01/2024 at the age of 93 😭 from Mount Roskill, Auckland, NewZealand. He was 1 of the 2 remaining survivors today . Sipa Fine Sekona is the last survivor still alive today in America . Rest In Eternal Peace to all the fallen Heroes 😭🕊
Rest easy to the old fella🫡
Awww God bless him rest in love Fine Feuiaki and all the Heroes of the Tuaikaepau.
My grandfather was Captain Tevita Maluha’apai Fifita of the Tuaikaepau. I’ve heard so much of this story and it touches my heart every time.
Ofa atu and God bless ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
My grandfather, Vaiangina Sikahema Unga was one of the survivors from the ship Tuaikaepau that got shipwrecked on the Minerva Reef south of Fiji back in 1962. He eventually passed away in 2003 but will always be remembered for his resilience, strength and courage for surviving this ordeal. My family and I miss him very much. Thank you for posting this video clip!
How long they were floating?
That’s where the movie comes from
@@Runitup84 which movie??
@@Anxakavz lord of the flies
Australia 2018 still listening
July 2020 and still listening 🇹🇴🇹🇴🇹🇴 Ofa atu kihe Tonga kotoa oe kolo pe!
"Loto'i Tonga ia" is what i feel when I litsen to this beautiful music (:
One of my favorite Tongan phrases!! Always bolsters my confidence and energy in times of doubt or exhaustion!! Malo aupito
"..Kohai e lau e faingataa, Heikai lava ke fakamatala
'Ae mamahi moe ha'aha'a, 'Amanaki nae fonu Tala'a.." ❤
Beautiful song and great harmony
This sound made me flash back to school on a friday afternoon in a circle with a Kumete at Latuselu and hear this sound as part of Helu great harmony of academic and culture. This bring me happy memo and I guess Like Plato say" I am feeling great cos I live in the era of Helu"
agree with Benjamin,to make a movie,loto`i Tonga he faingata`a moe mamahi,this song is really about loto`i Tonga,,,Tongan spirit ,heart n mind Respectz to the crews n the captain of the Tuaikaepau rip
thank you for the song. great way for the younger tongans to know where they come from by listening to som tongan music! Ofa to TONGA!!!
:) LOVE THIS SONG!!! yes my grandpa FINEFEUIAKI is still alive and healthy and is living in MT ROSKILL AUCKLAND! also my dad is called MINERVA REEF.. :) FINEFEUIAKI himself is one of 3 or 4 men that are still alive from this tragedy... :) anyone else outta the crew members alive?? please let me know. my grandpa would love to contact them. thanks.
Woooww what happened??? I would love to hear the story from someone close to a survivor of this tragedy..
User Profile its about a shipwreck on the Minerva Reef. They were out there for 3months!! my grandfather Fine Feuiaki and Sipa Fine are the last two survivors😊 Look up the story.. written by Olaf Ruhen..
Rest in the love of Christ to all the Tuikaepau crew. This story is so close to my heart and our family.
We salute u all
I salute you grampa Captain Tevita Fifita.
Love always
JesusChristIsLord amen 💙
Kataki kohai a Tevita Fifita?
JesusChristIsLord amen what was he a captain for
Oua
To me Sateki Fifita was a hero on October 7, 1962 because he got to help his father (Tevita Fifita) so he would not drown. Unfortunately, Sateki Fifita has passed away after helping his father slowly but surely make it to the island of Suva Fiji.
😢😢...my son Sateki is name after him...his grandfather older brother...I had to keep telling my kids the love n sacrifice....❤❤
@@seinilangi5705 ❤️🩹
Amusia moutolu your grandfather survived. My grandpa is Finau Lahi Soakai. Foha sisii 'a Soakai Pulu. I wish they made a movie. This story is worth heard to MANY!!! RIP Soakai Pulu, Fetaiaki, Grandpa & the men on that ship!!!!!
mama MANGO sorry for your loss.. yess we are one of the few that were lucky to have our grandpa survive this tragedy, and is one of the last two thats still alive up till this day.. Im with you on this one about the movie huh.. Afew directors and that interviewed my grandpa Fine Feuiaki last year so hopefully they do make a movie or atleast a documentary or something..
Yeap Taia Pulu it’s is going to be a really great movie base on a real events …I wish I have $ to start this project.
my heartfelt respect to capt.Fifita, while swimming ashore he looked back and saw his son swimming in a circle instead. He swam back to him n after assessing his situation, I think he knew if he helped his son, no one would make it ashore. He turned around leaving his son n swam toward land. We know the rest of the story. What a decision! Rip Mr. Fifita.
ana o hina can you please tell me the story... In full. I do not know of this story
some of the comments below are direct descendants of those who were on the Tuaikaepau, they know more
I love this! Soothing to the ears :)
Malie malie!
My grandfather Sione Teiapa’a Bloomfield(RIP)was one of the many survivors. What a feeling they went through🙏🏼
my late uncle Teiapa'a Bloomfield was one the surviver RIP.....
That’s my Grandfather 🙏🏼
ofa atu kihe fanga kui nenau tukuvakaa he TUAIKAEPAU ,1962,minewa reef, TONGATAPU,mau ofa atu...........:)KOLONGA FAMILY
Hi, My Name is Soakai Pulu. Son of Toni Pulu. Who is the son of the Late Soakai Pulu. My Grandfather was a trainer who was on the ship with many fighters including my late uncle Fetaiaki Pulu who passed on this voyage. I'm looking for lyrics to this song as my father has requested my sister to perform a tauolunga to this beautiful song in honor of our grandfather Soakai Pulu. If anyone can help it be of the greatest appreciation thank you.
RIP our Beloved Queen! Spot-on lyrics...
Still listening in 2017! Malie Tonga!
2021 here. (:
2021
Malie.malie kau tagata mai Tonga tapu ofa.atu.mai uvea.mamao
Finefeuaki is still alive and well..living in Mt Roskill NZ...im one of the lucky ones that he told me the story face to face..apparently his grandchild is one of my mate...so yea nice story..
@Muss Marley Its about a shipwreck on the Minerva Reef😊
who else still slap dis song in #2016 🇹🇴👌
i'm still slapping this with my favorite, you know it's a slappa when you know all the words
Latai Fotu do you have the lyrics for this song? And would you mind sharing it please? Thanks!
I still slap my kids in 2018.
2021
2022. Roots rock reggae 🤙
love this song
aww,,, miss my Dad he fanongo kihe hiva ko ''eni,,,
This is not Kaati...This is Niulala Helu the son of the Late Professor Futa Helu..
NEW ZEALAND STILL LISTENING MALO!!!
@Sanoukful my two uncles soakai pulu and fetaiaki pulu were on it. They were boxers.
only soakia came back. Fetaiaki died on the reef an hr b4 rescue showed up.
Loves it!!
RIP FINEFEUIAKI one of the voyagers who just passed away this week 🕊️🤍
MALO'E OFA KI TONGA!!
Mafana
proud ..god bless Pacific
Vai Sikahema Unga my grandfather was on this boat Tuaikaepau
Kou ilo taha haapai nae moui heni kanae sii malolo ee motua he tau mahalo e 5kuo osi i haapai pe 4
LOPETI KATOA kei moui a Fine Feuiaki (engineer) from Fakakai Haapai
2020!
malie - ofa atu - manatu ki he kumete 'i he 'aneafi 'i he Pauca Sed Matura!!!
Manatua si'i kau tangata ne paea he Tuaikaepau he moana vavale vahanoa....
Koe fo'i ta'anga koeni koe taha ia 'oe ngaahi maa'imoa 'ae la'a hono 3 kuo unga fonua 'aia na'ane fa'u eni kihe folau 'ae vaka koe Tuaikaepau 'o tukuvakaa pea nau hake 'i Hakau ko Mineva pea koe hingoa pe ia 'oe fo'i ta'anga koe TUAIKAEPAU...tau sio ai kihe langi mama'o 'ae ta'ahine kuini he me'a koe fa'u eh..
dotz Hi! I would love to know more about this song, if you don't mind sharing insights on it. So what I gathered from your comment was the Queen Salote wrote this song and the Afokoula sang it right? Do you also happen to have the lyrics for this song? I would love to have it and teach my children this song! It's one that is dearest to my heart since my Grandfather Soakai Pulu and Uncle Fetaiaki Pulu was on that Voyage. Please let me know. Your help and reply will be much appreciated! Here's my email siu.tau13@yahoo.co.nz
Malo aupito
Love this song
Lyrics :)
If yal be so kind.
Lahv dis song
Malie aupito🎼🎧
Lockdown jam
Malie taha pe koe Tonga.
malie malie
❤️
Poupou koe taha eni e Ta'anga koe Maa'imoa 'ae La'a Kuonga Fonua hono 3 'a Kuini Salote Tupou 3 koe Tuai kae Pau kihe vaka ne folau 'o tukuvakaa peanau hake he Hakau ko Mineva..Toe hiva'i 'e Niulala Helu moe Afokoula kau hiva 'a Atenisi..
This song slap.. Tika atu
1:06
Malie malie hiva .........
Malie pea toe lesoni e le'o oe fanau ni..
can someone provide lyrics for this please?
Malo 'aupito utes49. Ne fuoloa ta'u 'eku feinga keu ma'u e ta'anga ko 'eni, 'a e maa'imoa e La'a hono 3 pea mo hono hiva'i he Afokoula Singers. Malie 'aupito pea fakalanga manatu ki kau kaivai ko eni.Warren Purcell, I'll email you with some info that you may be interested in. I have the original print of the"Minerva Reef by Olaf Ruhen and other info about the ship wreck.My father passed away about a year ago and Yes, there is only one living from the ship wreck survivor and that is Fine (Sosaia Finefeuiaki).
+Andrew Fifita-Lamb My grandpa Tevita Uiasele, was the one who built the raft that got him, Tevita Fifita, and his son more than half-way to Fiji. My grandpa past away in 2009. I didnt know about this story until a year ago and I only found out because my friends mom told me about it. This song is so beautiful and I hope to make tau' olunga to it in the near future.
The Tuaikaepau and the Minerva Reef
On July 4, 1962, the 51foot former Sailing Boat called the Tuaikaepau was set to make a Voyage from Tongatapu to New Zealand where the Boat was set to get some needed repairs.
In charge of the 1,050 Nautical-Mile voyage, was Master Captain Tevita Fifita. Also included in his Crew were:
Tevita Uaisele (Carpenter)
Fine Feuiaki (Engineer)
Ve'etutu Pahulu (Mate)
Sateki Fifita (Deckhand, also Captain's Son)
Talo Fifita (Deckhand, also Captain's Son)
Sione Lousi (Deckhand)
In addition to the Crew were several other Passengers, which included several local Boxers who were looking to make a name for themselves while in New Zealand. Included were:
Fatai Efiafi (Passenger)
Vaiangina Unga (Copra Planter)
Viliame Fa'onuku (Carpenter)
Teiapa'a Bloomfield (Taxi Driver)
Soakai Pulu (Boxer/Coach)
Fetaiaki Pulu (Boxer)
Sione Sikimeti (Boxer)
Sipa Fine Sekona (Boxer)
Finau Laione Sekona (Boxer)
Sosaia Finefeuiaki (Boxer)
On the second day of the Voyage, the Tuaikaepau suddenlTo the outer edge of the Southern Minerva Reef. Hanging on for dear life, the Crew and its passengers found refuge in a previously capsized Japanese vessel which was sitting on the Reef itself. While on the Reef, the survivors reported that during high tide the water would go up as high as most of their waists.
After almost 8 weeks on the Reef and realizing that the chances of a rescue party were slim, the Captain Tevita Fifita decided that they needed to make a move.
In late August the Captain, Tevita Uaisele, and the Captain's son Sateki Fifita, built a raft which they called the "Maloelelei" and decided to head for Kadavu, Fiji, some 50 miles plus away. While within miles of their destination, the Maloelelei suddenly capsized and all 3 passengers were forced to swim the rest of the way. While the Captain and Tevita Uaisele were able to make the swim, the Captain's son did not have the strength to make the grueling swim and drowned before reaching Shore.
The survivors on the Reef were rescued days later, however 4 members of the Tuaikaepau had lost their lives while on the Reef. Amongst the dead were Sione Lousi, Sione Sikimeti, Fatai Efiafi, Fetaiaki Pulu.
This story is amongst the many that testify the strong Tongan spirit and attitude. Rest in eternal peace to those that have passed, gone but never forgotten.
Andrew malo e lelei. Fakamolemole e lava ma'u mai haku ki'i information ki he Tuaikaepau. Kuou osi mau e tohi a Olaf ka 'oku ou tatanaki ha u information ke lahi keu fakahoko ae polokalama kihe hisitolia malie ko 'eni heku senolo RUclips. Kataki kapau ke mau 'u info peake fakamolemole vahevahe mai.
maá atu
hey, yeah FINEFEUIAKI is still alive and well :) we have only two books, one by Olaf Ruhen and the other told by my grandpa FINEFEUIAKI??? whats the other book.
my ancestor was on this boat
#TuaikaepauLegacy⛵⚓
2017 anyone?
Can anyone please share the story behind the song, for those of us who dont know please.
Leo oe matua kei maalahi aupito
Malie malie!
Malie!
Oku mau ha taha ae lea oe hiva ni kataki o hiki hake Malo
Lyrics please
Malie..Malo 'aupito....
@Selana773 i would love to read those books my two uncles were fighters soakai being a retired boxer and champion of the pacific while fetaiaki his son. i dnt think there are any survivors bt my fam always tell me stories about the voyage. where can i get one of ur books??
@poly408 Soakai Pulu is actually my Grandfather & Fetaiaki Pulu is my Uncle; so I'm guessing we're related somehow! I just recently got a hold of a copy of "The Minerva Reef Voyage" book! My husband got it for me as a Christmas present. But I think you can buy a copy for yourself online either EBay or Amazon! Here's my email siu.tau13@yahoo.co.nz I would like to know how we're related! Malo aupito!
Manusiu Tau hey, my great grandfather is also Soakai Pulu. His son Finau Lahi(my grandpa) was killed during a boxing match while Soakai Pulu was on this voyage. Crazy but dope story.
small world😊 My grandpa Fine Feuiaki is one of two survivors that are still alive.. Hope you all are doing well
Anyone have the lyrics??
Anyone know the lyrics please
koe tokotaha 'oku ke laumalie lelei pe he kau folau koeni 'i 'okalani ko FINEFEUIAKI na'ane fkhingoa pe hono foha lahi ko Mineva..koe tokotaha pe foki eni na'ane fa'u e tohi fekau'aki moe folau 'ae vakani...
Lyrics anyone?
Lyrics
Hafua e faa lau kui.
malo Pahulu
can someone send me the lyrics. i'll send you my email please.
skippy..umoumai lelei pe a Utes naa ikai ke toe lava ia o upload mai e u hiva laulotaha koeni..aua! fonu mai ai toua!
Fotu Tauveli Malie tamaiki pea toe lesoni e ngaahi faahi malo
It took me back to the early 70s thanks for the lovely music
Does anyone know what this songs about
I believe a shipwreck
Sane Fo
1962 a yacht named Tuaikaepau sailing to New Zealand capsized and all survived, until they then had to sail to Fiji on boat Maloelelei which also capsized and many of them drowned on the swim to Fiji. There are a few survivors one which resides in New Zealand Fine Feuiaki. Hope this helps :)
Anyone knows the lyrics this singing?